Animal Rights in Islam

To everything in this world are rights, guaranteed by the sacred laws of Islam. Everywhere we look around us today, we see cruelty to animals.  Especially, in the food industry, where animals are treated with extreme inhumanity in "civilized" nations in the name of wealth and profit! Such atrocities are widespread, well-documented and a sad fact of the materialistic modern world. 
Even though such actions are extremely disturbing, in spite of us closing our eyes, they will not disappear.  Therefore, it is our duty to reform our outlook and attitudes in order to change this world for the better.  Lest we transgress against the rights of others; and by others, in the context of this article I mean "animals". 
One day, the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw a man overloading his donkey, so the prophet (peace be upon him) became very angry and said,

"Do not overload your animal!  Verily, he who is not merciful shall not be shown mercy (by God)!"

He (peace be upon him) also taught his followers that if they are traveling that they should not ride their animal for the entire trip, but rather to divide the time, riding for an hour then walking for an hour to allow the animal to rest.

God (Glorified is His Name) says: 

"Verily, every fish that swims in the sea, every bird that flies in the air, every beast that trod over the land and every insect...are only nations and communities like yourselves!  Indeed, We have not left out anything in this book!" 

God (Glorified is His Name), addressing His prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says: 

"We have sent you as a mercy to all the worlds (O' Muhammad)!" 

The word utilized by God (Glorified is His Name) in this verse is 'Alamiin, which is defined as everything aside from God!  Therefore, the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a mercy to the animals, to the environment, to the cosmos and the list goes on!

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 

"He who does not show mercy; to such a person no mercy shall be shown!  Have mercy on all those on earth and the Lord of heaven shall be merciful to you!" 

Mercy to all!  Without exception! When most in the western world, a hundred and fifty years ago, refused to believe that dark skinned people and women had "souls", Islam thirteen hundred years prior declared that not only do they have souls and rights, moreover, even animals have have souls and rights! 

"They ask you (O' Muhammad) about the true nature of the soul, say, its true essence is only known by God!" 

Just this year, after many years of study, scientists are finally discovering that animals, birds, fish and yes even insects communicate with each other and have feelings!  On December 9th, 2011, CBC published an article called, "Rats show empathy for others in chocolate chip test".  The article stated,"New experiments show rats demonstrating compassion and helping other rodents. It is a trait some scientists thought was reserved only for humans and higher primates.  And it is certainly not the sneaky, selfish rap that goes with calling someone a dirty rat. In repeated tests, rats freed another trapped rat in their cage, even when yummy chocolate served as a tempting distraction. Twenty-three of the 30 rats opened the trap by pushing in a door. The rats could have gobbled the chocolate before freeing their partners, but often didn't, choosing to help and share the goodies."

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was once among his companions when they glanced two rams butting their heads and said:

"Do you know why they are butting their heads?" 

The companions responded with,

"God and His Messenger know best!" 

Thus, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said:

"Nay, but God does know why and He shall resurrect them on the day of judgement and judge between them!  Verily, even if a ram transgresses against another ram, God will get justice for it!"

If God (Glorified is His Name) is going to ensure that animals will get justice against other animals who transgressed against them, what do you think is the case with humans who transgress against such animals.  Indeed, animals are treated  with dignity and respect under the sacred laws of Islam and have rights just as human beings have rights! Thus, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 

"Verily, God has decreed excellence and kindness in all that you do! So if you slaughter (an animal), then do so with kindness, compassion and mercy..." 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 

"A woman was condemned to damnation for cruelty to a cat!  She confined her with cruelty; neither did she feed her nor did she release her to eat from that, which is upon the earth!" 

Conversely, the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 

"A prostitute was once walking through the desert and coming upon a well, she descended to quench her thirst.  Upon ascending from the well, she saw a dog with his tongue stretched out showing signs of extreme thirst.  At that moment, the prostitute's heart softened and out of mercy she descended into the well several times bringing water to the thirsty dog with her shoe. Due to this act of benevolence and mercy towards a dog, this prostitute earned eternal salvation and complete absolution from God. " 

 Indeed, Islamic civilization set the bar so high when it came to animal rights.  Since, animals are to be treated with respect and dignity as required by the law, major Islamic cities such as Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad and many others had specially designated lands set aside for the use of animals.  Hundreds of hectares were set aside as sanctuaries for animals.  Fully funded and operated through the Islamic trust (Waqf) funds.  When a horse, or dog or cat for example became old and "useless", instead of being "put to sleep" as is done in the "civilized" world today, such animals were brought to the sanctuaries where they were free to roam, being fed, housed and looked after by specially trained people to ensure that they were given the chance to rest, burden-free until they died naturally.  Such sanctuaries were wide-spread throughout the Islamic world until the collapse of the Islamic systems and their replacement with suppressive and unjust systems established by colonialists, imperialists and tyrants.  These lands were forcibly annexed by these new governments and lost.

I pray our Most Compassionate God, our Wise Lord and Benevolent Master to bless my nation, our beautiful home, protect its people from harm and guide its rulers to govern with benevolence, wisdom and justice. 

Amen   

Source: [facebook.com/notes/cordova-academy] Published: 30 December 2011 Link: Click here

Read More

Peace of Mind, Tranquility & Happiness

Peace – the oft-repeated concept that echoes in all minds. What does peace mean to us? 
A feeling of endless security, immunity from the myriad of life's problems, and contentedness with oneself and close-knitted affection from those that matter?

Theoretically, we can create the most beautiful definitions of the word, but the question is, how much of it can be brought to reality from a daily life perspective?

Majority of the time, peace is an independent variable: our peace and tranquility are maneuvered by our very own hands. If we possess the tendency to blame external factors (people, material life, etc.) for dictating our life's happiness, then everlasting peace is hardly attainable for us.

We are all in constant pursuit of the prolonged everlasting peace and happiness in life. Ever wondered why people persist in sinfulness?
On closer examination, we will find that most sinful behavior comes about from the longing for peace of mind: music, drugs, alcohol, gluttony, tranquilizers, anti-depressants are all approached for this reason. Moreover, most illnesses today are actually stress-related: obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, etc.

Peace of mind also has its own types: there is true and pure tranquility, but there is also a fake one. To make it simple, let's just say that not everything that gives us happiness gives us actual peace of mind. That which might give us momentary happiness can fling us into the deep dark hole of guilt, frustration, and a worse form of dissatisfaction in the future.

If we need everlasting and unwavering peace in our lives, our first step should be to make a clear distinction between the real source of peace and the delusional artificial sources. As believers, one thing we can be sure of is that the Glorious Qur'an can definitely help us make this distinction.

The Quran gives us a formula to live by: 

"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."
(Ra'd 13:28)

"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder; verily, for him is a life of hardship"
(Ta-Ha 20:124)

How intricately simple is this formula for peace! Remembrance of Allah works like a key to several locks, because with true remembrance of Allah, several different things happen at the same time.
First of all, we stay away from all other artificial sources of happiness, also known as sinful behavior. Secondly, we allow ourselves to enter into a state of Tranquility – a positive reassurance that whatever happens to us is always for our own benefit, whether it is spiritual or material. Henceforth, worldly and material troubles cannot rob us of our peace of mind, because we have embarked into a stage which has been described by Hazrat Ali (radiallahu anhu) as follows:

"A true believer has no worry except about his failure to fulfill his duties to the Lord."

The Qur'an's prescription relieves us from meaningless worries and gives us a simple formula to true happiness and peace.

As long as we live within the commandments prescribed to us by our Lord, nothing disturbs our peace. With this solution in mind, we are no longer confused wanderers that stumble along their paths. We have chosen to trust our Creator, who is our everlasting source of peace. The Qur'an promises the believers:

"He it is Who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they might have more of faith added to their faith – and Allah's are the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Knowing, Wise."
(Al'Fath 48:4)

In order to strengthen one's Iman and recieve peace of mind and clarity within heart, one should also seek good company who would guide one to righteousness, and attend circles of knowledge, as these are attended by Angels.

We Must therefore strive and struggle to,

• Remember Allah with the mind by making good intentions and subscribing to pure thoughts, and shying away from shamelessness and seeking refuge in Allah.
• Remember Allah with the heart by confessing, seeking forgiveness and acknowledging the blessings of Allah, and being grateful to Him - thereby being happy and content with what Allah has predestined for oneself.
• Remember Allah with the tongue by making Tasbeeh, speaking what is of goodness, reciting Quran and sending peace upon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) in all possible circumstances.
• Remember Allah through the limbs by performing good deeds, Charity, Salah and Hajj.
• Remember Allah in every single moment of life and there by keep oneself away from sins, arrogance, disobedience, and impure thoughts & actions - those of which would have a negative effect on the tranquility, peace of heart & mind.

 "True devotion is for itself:
not to desire paradise nor to fear hell (but being thankful to Allah)."
(Rabi'ah Al-Basri)

Source: [islamicinsights.com] Published: 06 July 2009 Link: Click here

Read More

Status of Parents in Islam

All faiths and societies have given parents an honorable status. From a purely material viewpoint, we find ourselves indebted to our parents, particularly to our mother. She not only nourished us in our womb, but went through pain and suffering. She loved us even before we were born. She toiled when we were totally helpless infants. She spent sleepless nights caring for us. Our parents provided for all our needs: physical, educational, psychological and also in many instances the moral, spiritual and religious guidance. Our indebtedness to our parents is so immense that it is not possible to repay in full. In lieu of this, it becomes obligatory for us to show utmost kindness, respect and obedience to our parents. The position of parents, and the mutual obligations and responsibilities, have been addressed in Islam in great detail. 

A Muslim's duties to his or her parents are secondary only to duties toward Allah, their Lord and Creator. The Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) once asked his companions, “Shall I inform you of the biggest of the major sins?” He repeated the question three times, until the people answered, “Yes, please inform us.” Then, he said, “Ascribing partners to Allah, and being undutiful to your parents.”

Muhammad(peace be upon him) once said that disrespecting or cursing parents is one of the greatest of sins, as it shows pride and ingratitude to those who deserve the greatest respect. It is forbidden for Muslims to ridicule, abuse, or insult a person or a person's family members, even as a joke.

Our life would not be possible without the sacrifice and hard work of our parents, who cared for us and met all our needs when we were young. The Qur'an addresses this point in one touching verse: 

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. If one or both of them attain old age during your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor repel them. But address them in terms of honor, and lower to them the wing of humility, out of mercy, and say, ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy, as they did bring me up when I was young’”  - (Qur'an 17:23–24).

Duties towards Parents

Muslims are advised to treat their parents gently and respectfully. They should always strive to please them and never become impatient or rude with them. Muslims consider it an honor and a blessing to be able to care for their parents in old age. After all, it's the least we can do to repay them for all of their hard work and sacrifice. Nursing homes and hospice care are new phenomena in the Muslim world, and they are not widely accepted. Elderly and ill family members almost always remain in the homes of children or relatives, cared for and respected until death.

Muhammad(peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to treat their parents well and to be mindful of their needs. Once, a young man came to him and wanted to join the Muslim army on the battlefield to defend the community from attack. Muhammad(peace be upon him) asked him if his parents were living. When the young man said they were, he told him: “Then go back to your parents, serve them, and deal with them kindly. This is as good as fighting for God's sake.”

A young man once traveled from Yemen to be with the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him). When he arrived, Muhammad(peace be upon him) asked him if he had asked his parents' permission before coming. He hadn't. Muhammad(peace be upon him) sent him home, with these instructions: “If they permit you, then come back. Otherwise, be devoted to them.”

Muslims consider their parents' consultation and opinions about important matters, such as choosing a career path, spouse, or place to live. As a Muslim gets older, any income earned is partially used to support parents and meet their needs. A Muslim prays that after their deaths, God will forgive his/her parents and show mercy toward them.

It is important to note, however, that a Muslim's duty toward his parents is not blind obedience. No Muslim should obey his parents if they order their child to do something that is in violation of Islamic teachings. In this situation, a Muslim strives to advise his parents, educate them about Islamic teachings in the matter, and ultimately serve God first and foremost.

Mother First

Among parents, it is usually the mother who makes the most sacrifice and endures the most hardship in the care of her children. Islam recognizes this fact, offering more honor to the mother as a parent. Muhammad(peace be upon him) once said, “Paradise is placed at the mothers' feet,” so high is their status and regard.

The Qur'an reminds people of the sacrifices and hardships that mothers face on behalf of their children. 

“And we enjoined upon mankind concerning parents: his mother carried him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is two years. Therefore show gratitude to Allah and to your parents” (Qur'an 31:14).

On another occasion, some people asked the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him), “To whom should we show kindness first?” He answered, “Your mother.” Then he was asked again, “And after that, then whom?” Muhammad(peace be upon him) again replied, “Your mother.” He was asked yet again, and he gave the same reply again: “Your mother.” Only after that, when he was asked one more time, did he answer, “Then, your father.”

Muhammad(peace be upon him) once said, “Let his nose be rubbed in the dust; let his nose be rubbed in the dust; let his nose be rubbed in the dust.” When asked, “Who is it that should be humiliated in such a way?” he answered, “That person who finds his parents, one or both of them, attaining old age in his life, but does not enter Paradise by serving them.”

Non-Muslim Parents

 If a Muslim's parents do not believe in Islam, he/she is guided to treat them with kindness and mercy out of respect for their sacrifices and unconditional love. However, just as with Muslim parents, if a non-Muslim parent orders something that goes against the faith, the Muslim is not to obey: 

“But if they strive to make you join other gods in worship with Me, of which you have no knowledge, obey them not. Yet accompany them in this life with gentleness” (Qur'an 31:15). 

A Muslim must respect and give all other rights and duties to non-Muslim parents, regardless of their faith.

Source: [netplaces.com] Published: NA Link: Click here

Read More